Originally Posted by
rudestuff
You've got to be in it to win it. Get a licence and you might get a job, don't get a licence and you definitely won't get a job. That's all on you and how much you want to be a pilot.
The first job is always the hardest. It requires timing, ability and luck.
Timing: You can't control the waves but you can choose when to get in the water. Restraint (to qoute Mentzer) is the hardest exercise of all. If you want to fly and you don't mind playing the long game then train modular up to CPL/IR all single engine. This saves money, buys you time to judge the market and saves your ATPL exams for 7 years. It also leaves you 11 hours and 2 tests away from a fATPL (so maybe a month or so).
Ability: You can't choose your parents but you take a long hard look at yourself and honestly ask yourself do I have above average ability or do I just have the money and want it a lot? Ability can also be enhanced through hard work. Ultimately the only thing you have to show a first employer is exam results and first time passes.
Luck: Half of everything (to quote 006) is luck. You will need to make a leap of faith at some point, but you can make your own luck to a certain extent. Sometimes its a case of knowing the right person to get the CV on the right pile. Sometimes you have to think outside the box (I'm not suggesting you change your name from Geoff to Alison but it's an option). It's sometimes easier to get a job internally than externally so if you're willing to play the long game the you could get an office job with a cadet airline whilst you do your flight training. Do a damn good job and ask the CP if I get a pilot licence will you interview me?
Thanks rudestuff, that's all great advice and I'll be keeping all of that in mind moving forward.
What do you think of the Ryanair Future Flyers Academy, offering a full integrated programme including type rating along with a conditional offer? Is this a better option than getting an instructor rating and building hours that way?
I've been trying to find info on the current job market, specifically the flight instructor job market for low-hour pilots. Are instructor rating schools still offering jobs after completing the rating with them? I've heard this is case in America, and I would be happy to move. Would this be a better strategy to get into the airlines ASAP?